Impact of Rubber Tire Chips on Clayey Soil Rigid Payment Design: A Sustainable Approach

This study explores the benefits of incorporating recycled rubber tire chips into clayey soil for sustainable rigid pavement design. While previous research has examined the impact of rubber tire chips on bearing capacity and modulus of subgrade reaction, no work has been done to relate such information to the thickness of rigid pavements. The addition of rubber tire chips enhanced bearing capacity and subgrade reaction, reducing pavement thickness and substantial cost savings. Notably, the mixture with RTC 0.25" and 0.5% content demonstrates a 50.11% increase in Net Allowable Bearing Capacity (ΔNABC) and the highest reduction in thickness (Δ Thickness) by -2.40%, emphasizing its potential for practical application in sustainable rigid pavement design. This research advocates for the practical and eco-friendly use of rubber tire chips in clayey soil, addressing waste tire accumulation and improving pavement performance. Engineers can leverage these findings to enhance pavement performance while minimizing construction costs. Future research could assess the long-term durability of this sustainable solution.